Why are dental restorations important?

One of the biggest myths in the dental world is that pain is the only signifier of a dental issue. People believe that once the pain goes away or is treated, the problem is resolved. Because of this, many people with damaged or missing teeth don’t undergo dental restorations. And if the missing or damaged teeth don’t cause any noticeable functional issues, why should they?

We’ve spoken about the consequences of missing teeth in the past. Still, it’s time to understand the importance of dental restorations and what options are available to you.

What are dental restorations?

Dental restorations are procedures designed to restore the structure and function of any damaged or missing teeth. Depending on the issue or severity of the damage, there are two basic types of dental restorations. The first is designed to save the teeth currently in your mouth. These procedures involve restoring the tooth or teeth without the need for extractions. The second type of dental restoration involves replacing missing teeth to fill out your smile and remove any gaps.

Why do you need tooth restorations?

Removing the root cause of the toothache, the tooth, doesn’t mean that your oral health is in the clear. Missing teeth can lead to a plethora of issues. These issues include:

1. Individuals missing back molars can find themselves overcompensating with their remaining teeth when eating. This not only causes additional wear on the remaining teeth but can also lead to further damage and jaw pain.

2. Losing a tooth often leaves a gap between your teeth. This can result in the surrounding teeth shifting and moving out of place. Eventually, you may even lose more teeth as the root of the teeth aren’t able to hold firmly in your jaw bone.

3. Leaving a decaying tooth in your mouth can lead to the build-up of plaque and germs. This can not only cause other teeth damage but can lead to infections and other nasty issues.

4. Missing or damaged teeth can wipe a smile off anyone’s face. Individuals with prominent missing teeth, such as their front teeth, often find themselves too embarrassed to smile, talk or eat in public. This affects not only their confidence but their quality of life as well. Moreover, missing back teeth can lead to sunken cheeks. This can drastically age an individual’s appearance causing them to develop low self-esteem

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What are tooth restoration treatments, and how do they work?

There are two types of restoration treatments:

1. Whether you know it or not, you’ve probably heard of or had a direct restoration. Commonly known as ‘fillings’, direct restorations involve placing a mouldable substance inside a cleaned-out tooth cavity to restore the tooth’s structure and functionality.

2. Indirect restoration involves constructing your tooth or parts of your tooth outside the mouth before implantation. Indirect restorations include:
   1. A cap that’s placed on top of a broken or seriously decayed tooth. It’s designed to not only improve the appearance aesthetically but provide support and strength to the damaged tooth.
   2. Bridges can replace one or more missing teeth. Bridges utilise the teeth on either side of the gap to secure a fake tooth that fits tightly on top of your gums.
   3. Implants involve a screw implanted into your gum to hold onto the artificial tooth. Implant restorations are designed to provide the same functional sensations as your healthy teeth.

Are tooth restorations expensive?

This is probably the biggest question on everyone’s mind. You want to get your teeth restored, but you’re not sure if you can afford it. The final cost of dental restorations depends on the treatment required. At Maidstone Dental, we don’t want you to forego important procedures such as dental restorations. As a result, when you come in for a consult, we will work with you to provide treatments and payment plans that are well within your budget.

Dental restorations are an essential part of oral health. Whether you have a cavity or a missing tooth, it’s important you make the time to see the dentist. Book an appointment with Maidstone Dental today, and we’ll chat to you about all the options available.To book an appointment or for more information, contact us.